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“Lend a Hand for Public Lands” During National Public Lands Day, Spetember 26th

Natchez Trace Parkway invites organized groups and individuals interested in helping preserve public lands to volunteer, learn, and have fun through participation in National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26th. One third of America's land is in public hands, so come and help to preserve and protect it!

A variety of projects suitable for families, individuals of all ages, and organized groups such as Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops will be offered throughout the day from 8 am to 4 pm. Activities include split rail fence construction, collection of native plant seeds, trail restoration, and eradication of invasive non-native plants along area trails. All participants will receive a coupon for free entry into the federal public land of their choice.

Groups and individuals are encouraged to preregister for morning or afternoon tasks by September 20th by calling 662-680-4059 or 662-680-4027. Group size is limited for some activities. Onsite registration for the remaining tasks will be available Saturday, September 26th from 8 am to 2 pm at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 in Tupelo, MS;two miles north of Highway 78. Children under the age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants should be prepared for the weather and wear long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, bring snacks, a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. For more detailed project information please visit www.nps.gov/natr or call 662-680-4027.

Project #1: Installing split rail fencingTime: 8:30am to 12pm (Noon) Participants can leave as their interest and ability dictate.Location: Meet at 8am to Register at the Parkway Visitor Center, Carpool to Chickasaw Village as much as possible.Number or Participants: Up to 20 Volunteers, All particiapants must be at least 7 years old, not suitable for children under 6 years old.Difficulty: Moderate

Project #2: Water bar repair and trail maintenanceTime: 8:30am to 12pm (Noon) Participants can leave as their interest and ability dictate.Location: Meet at 8am to Register at the Parkway Visitor Center, Volunteers can walk from Parkway Visitor Center to Blackland Prairie Trailhead or drive to the trailhead parking areaNumber or Participants: Up to 20 Volunteers, Suitable for all agesDifficulty: Moderate

Project #3: Native seed collectionTime: 1pm to 4pm. Participants can leave as their interest and ability dictate.Location: Meet at 12:30pm to Register at the Parkway Visitor Center, Carpool to Chickasaw Village as much as possible.Number or Participants: Up to 60 Volunteers, Suitable for all ages.Difficulty: Easy, This will be a full sun activity, volunteers should be prepared for sun exposure.

Project #4: Water bar repair and trail maintenanceTime: 1pm to 4pm. Participants can leave as their interest and ability dictate.Location: Meet at 12:30pm to Register at the Parkway Visitor Center. Volunteers can walk from Parkway Visitor Center to Blackland Prairie Trailhead or drive to the trailhead parking areaNumber or Participants: Up to 20 Volunteers, Suitable for all agesDifficulty: Moderate

Project #5: Non-native invasive species plant removalTime: 8:30am to 1pm. Participants can leave as their interest and ability dictate.Location: Meet at 8am to Register at the Parkway Visitor Center. Volunteers can leave vehicle at Parkway Visitor Center. Activity is located right next to the Parkway Visitor Center. Number or Participants: Up to 40 Volunteers, Suitable for all agesDifficulty: Easy, Volunteers with limited time may find this project the easiest to work on.